TAFE Queensland
9 months - 1 year
This entry-level Certificate III course equips you with practical animal care skills and knowledge to launch a career as an animal attendant, trainer, or veterinary nurse. Combining classroom learning with real workplace experience, it's perfect for animal lovers seeking hands-on industry training.
Domestic students must have successfully completed Year 10 or equivalent, sound computer and literacy skills, and a valid email account. You must be physically, emotionally and mentally fit for practice for work experience and field excursions. International students require Academic IELTS 6.0 (no band less than 5.5) or equivalent, completion of Year 10 or equivalent, and must be minimum 17 years old (turning 18 during first year of study). Recommended Skills Check benchmarks are level 3 in English, Maths, and Digital Technology.
Core units cover identifying animal behaviours and safe interaction, assessing animal welfare status, promoting workplace wellbeing, providing basic animal first aid, effective communication with clients and team members, infection control compliance, and workplace health and safety. Elective units allow specialisation in either Behavioural Sciences (enrichment provision, behaviour conditioning, companion animal advice, dog walking, animal health monitoring, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, bird and mammal care) or Veterinary Nursing (clinic routines, customer service, first aid certification, and specialised animal care units). All students complete practical work experience in real animal care facilities.
TAFE Queensland is an internationally recognised education provider with strong industry partnerships and purpose-built facilities including classrooms, laboratories, and workshops equipped with the same tools used in industry. The institution offers passionate, experienced industry professionals who provide one-on-one guidance. With multiple campus locations across Queensland and flexible study options combining on-campus and online learning, TAFE Queensland provides accessible, practical vocational training with clear pathways to employment and further study.
Upon successful completion, you'll be qualified to work as an animal trainer, health officer, or trainee veterinary nurse. The Australian Government's Job Outlook service indicates strong growth in animal attendant and trainer positions, with approximately 12,000 job openings expected over the next five years. This qualification also provides a foundation for further specialised studies in animal care fields, including pathways to Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and other advanced animal care qualifications.
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